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Hernando Today

Bus service reduced, but not scrapped

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: June 23, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - Anytime THE Bus is up for discussion, a small but dedicated band of patrons show up at the county commission meeting to sing the praises of the little-used public transportation system.

Tuesday was no different, as about 20 people urged commissioners yet again to spare what they say is their only means of getting to doctors, stores and other places - mostly around Spring Hill where many of the routes are located.

But this time around, there were voices of dissent sprinkled in, some focusing on the anemic response to a recent public comment period where only 34 respondents said they wanted bus service to remain as is or expand.

"I think this is a very, very sad commentary on THE Bus that only 34 people bothered to respond," said June Ester, a former county commissioner.

Ester called THE Bus a "waste of taxpayer dollars" and that it would be cheaper for the county to pay for taxi service for the people who use it.

Bobbi Mills, also a former county commissioner, said she realizes some people need THE Bus to get to places. But so do people in Ridge Manor, Glen Lakes, Hernando Beach and other areas, she said.

"They're paying for this bus and they have no use for THE Bus," Mills said.

Mills said commissioners need to serve the entire population, not just a small percentage of taxpayers.

After lengthy debate, commissioners voted 5-0 to accept a staff recommendation to reduce bus service along the routes by increasing the "headway" times from one hour to two hours. That means the buses would reach their stops every two hours rather than every hour.

Commissioners have also reduced the number of buses from six to three.

The reduction in service is estimated to reduce operating costs by $420,000.

County Commissioner Rose Rocco said the board has to ask itself what it wants Hernando County "to look like 10 to 15 years down the road and what core services we want for people."

Rocco said THE Bus is a quality-of-life issue and a needed service.

County planning staffers have said that it would cost the county $500,000 a year or more without the fixed-route service because Hernando County would lose federal and state funds dedicated to a transit system providing assistance to the disadvantaged, which is mandated by the federal government.

Since THE Bus started operations in October 2002, it has not made a profit and now serves less than 1 percent of the population.

Roberta Schmiz, a long-time supporter of the service, said she had to take THE Bus to get to and from Tuesday's meeting.

Without it, Schmiz said she would be incommoded. She urged commissioners to park their cars and take THE Bus.

Commissioner Jim Adkins said he would be glad to do so, but there are no routes near his eastside home.

Rosemary Sonnenberg of The Wellington said she cannot drive and is prone to dizzy spells. She bemoaned the fact that routes are being taken away and now has to walk four to six blocks to catch a bus.

Resident Jerry Hammett said people who live too far from bus routes must rely on family, friends, neighbors and churches to get around.

It should be possible, he said, for this small cadre of riders to find alternative transportation.

"Park this bus for as long as it takes until we come up with a solution for people who ride it," he said.

Former Planning and Zoning commissioner Anthony Palmieri just wanted the board to make a decision and end the months of debate.

"Let's get something done once and for all on this bus," Palmieri said.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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